Combine a gorgeous garden with delicious home-made scones and what do you get? Very happy visitors, we hope, on Sunday 5 May, when a Scotland’s Gardens Open Day is held at Branklyn Garden at Perth.
The outstanding plant collections, particularly rhododendrons and alpines at this two-acre National Trust for Scotland garden, will be a delight for visitors who are invited to drop in between 10am and 4pm. Scones and refreshments will be served on the patio – weather permitting. Entry will be £6.50 for adults, families £16.50 and concessions £5, with money raised going to the Scotland’s Gardens Scheme charity.
Himalayan Blue Poppy Day Sunday, 26 May
Later in May, Branklyn will be hosting its famous Himalayan Blue Poppy Day on Sunday, 26 May. Branklyn is home to the National Collection of these extremely rare blue poppies. These stunning flowers were first discovered in 1922 by British mountaineer George Leigh Mallory during an attempt on Mount Everest.
Branklyn’s Property Manager and Head Gardener Steve McNamara will be introducing visitors to these very special plants, which love damp conditions and part shade, which may explain why they have settled well in Scotland…. Steve explained more about Branklyn’s role as “guardian” of the blue poppies to The Landscaper
“We have had Blue Poppies here at Branklyn since 1932. Being a National collection means we document, develop and preserve them for future generations to enjoy. Our work is part of the National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens, which exists to preserve our plant heritage”.
Tours of Branklyn, including the blue poppies, will be operating at 11am and 2pm on Sunday, 26 May, when you can pick up gardening tips for cultivation of the more familiar plants.
Admission prices will be adults £6.50; families £16.50; one parent with family £11.50 and concessions £5. Booking is advisable: for more information, please phone 0844 – 4932193.
You can join the National Trust for Scotland for as little as £5.75 per month for a family. To become a member, visit http://www.nts.org.uk/Join/Benefits/.